Rail & Intermodal

Never Mind a Possible Strike. Heres the Real Problem at West Coast Ports

July 7, 2014

Importers and exporters were holding their collective breath last week, praying that negotiations for a new West Coast longshore labor contract wouldn't result in a temporary shutdown of the ports. But service providers were just as concerned about what happens if they stay open.

E-commerce Express Launched by China Railway Corp

June 30, 2014

Ecns.com

China Railway Corporation (CRC) will launch six express trains for an e-commerce logistics service on July 1, which will connect four first-tier cities, China National Radio reported.

UP Boosts Frequency of Premium Intermodal Services

June 26, 2014

Union Pacific Railroad

The Union Pacific Railroad has increased the frequency of two intermodal services: Portland, Ore.-Chicago, and Northern California-Chicago.

Now That China Has Torpedoed P3 Alliance, Where Do Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM Go From Here?

June 26, 2014

Maritime Executive

China's regulators have blocked the P3 mega-alliance between Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM on the grounds that it infringes the country's competition laws between Asia and Europe, particularly with respect to the lines' combined market share of 46.7 percent. The law enforcers appear to believe that the cost reductions gained by the P3 carriers would either have been offset by this unacceptably high risk of market concentration, or would not have been passed back to shippers satisfactorily. Where to now?

Association's Standards Designed to Deal with Transportation Cargo That Continues to Grow More Sophisticated

June 24, 2014

MarineLink.com

The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) launched what it calls the most comprehensive supply chain security standards in TAPA's 17-year history to combat increasingly sophisticated thefts.

Logistics Industry Isn't Keeping Up with Growth of U.S. Economy, Report Says

June 24, 2014

PR Newswire

Total U.S. business logistics costs in 2013 rose to $1.39tr, a 2.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the 25th Annual "State of Logistics Report" released by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and presented by Penske Logistics, at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Logistics as a percent of U.S. gross domestic product declined for the second year in a row, indicating that the logistics sector is not keeping pace with the growth in the overall economy.

Potential Entry of Freight Trains into UK Cities Tested

June 16, 2014

Handy Shipping Guide

Freight trains, carrying critical business supplies into major cities in the UK, may start rolling again for the first time in over 20 years, following a test train from Rugby to London's Euston Station on June 5, which the operator claims delivers a faster service, and potentially saves thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions compared to that of road haulage.

How Railroads Are Investing in Transportation's Future

June 11, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

BNSF will spend $5bn on infrastructure this year, topping its record $4bn investment last year, says Steve Bobb, chief marketing officer. In addition to maintaining and improving service and capacity, BNSF will invest in logistics hubs and other future-focused infrastructure.

Industry Insights from NLDC Founder

June 6, 2014

SupplyChainBrain

When Jim Bowes established the National Logistics & Distribution Conference 10 years ago his aim was to provide a small, non-sales oriented conference for senior supply chain executives. Bowes discusses how NLDC has evolved and what he thinks the future holds.

Oil Trains Face Criticism in North America

June 3, 2014

Marine Link

Several spots along North America's new oil-by-rail corridors find residents and officials restless, following six fiery derailments in the past 10 months. Some want to limit or halt the traffic, fearful that existing precautions will not prevent deadly blasts, air and waterway pollution, or nuisances including nasty odors.

Rail & Intermodal

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding rail and intermodal transportation and its impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering container shipments in a more efficient manner than ever before using new services and technologies that provide information en route - allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As rail and intermodal cargo services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using rail and intermodal shipping solutions to power their supply chains.